Learn about the Shih Tzu
Little lion, maximum affection
The Shih Tzu was bred at the Chinese royal court from older Tibetan and Chinese palace dogs, purely to be a pet. Its name means lion dog. In our family tree, its ancestors include the ancient Chinese toy dogs and Asian flat-faced toy dogs. It is a popular pet today. Tap a circle inside to keep digging.
Likely life span
Learn more about the dogs that went into making the Shih Tzu
c. 600 BCOld Mastiffs of the East
Tibetan village dogs
Ancient Chinese court dogs
c. 1600Shih Tzu